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Bill

HB 85

RELATING TO THE LAND CONSERVATION FUND.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Della Belatti and 11 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 85 modifies the Land Conservation Fund to protect environmentally significant lands, passing House committees with amendments before Finance referral.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 85

Legislative bill overview

HB 85 modifies Hawaii's Land Conservation Fund, a mechanism for acquiring and protecting environmentally significant lands. The bill passed through two House committees with amendments and was referred to the Finance Committee before being carried over to the 2026 session. The specific provisions of the amendments are not detailed in the available action history.

Why is this important

Land conservation directly affects Hawaii's ability to protect native ecosystems, watersheds, and agricultural lands while managing sprawl and development pressures on the islands. The funding and administration of conservation programs impacts both environmental preservation and property rights, making this relevant to residents concerned with environmental protection, agricultural sustainability, and land use policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear – Without seeing the amended bill text, it's unknown whether this increases appropriations, redirects existing funds, or changes revenue sources for the conservation fund
  • Implementation and priorities – Disagreement may exist over which lands should be prioritized for conservation and what metrics determine acquisition decisions
  • Private property considerations – Conservation efforts often involve acquisition of private lands, raising questions about voluntary participation, compensation levels, and property owner impact

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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